Multi-Pane Window Assembly With Two-Sided Frame

ABSTRACT

A window assembly configured for installation in a recessed window aperture comprises one or more transparent fixed position panes, one or more sliding panes, and a mounting frame. The mounting frame comprises at least a substantially full-circumference, molded plastic frame member and reinforcement integral with the frame member. The mounting frame at least partially defines a window opening. The mounting frame, e.g., the frame member, forms upper and lower slider runways extending laterally above and below the window opening. The sliding pane is slidably positioned in the upper and lower slider runways for sliding movement between open and closed positions. The mounting frame mounts the fixed position pane(s) by adhesive surface bonding to the interior surface of the fixed position pane. The exterior surface of the fixed position pane is free of adhesive. At least a laterally outboard portion of the peripheral edge of the fixed pane is covered by a portion of the frame member which also is flush with the adjacent exterior surface of the fixed position pane. A show-surface portion of the full-circumference, molded plastic frame member forms the entire show surface of the window assembly for at least a laterally extending portion the window assembly above and/or below the window opening. The reinforcement comprises an elongate reinforcing member(s) extending laterally above and/or below the window opening.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/839,083, filed Aug. 21, 2006, the disclosure of whichis hereby expressly incorporated herein.

INTRODUCTION

The present invention is directed to multi-pane window assembliessuitable for use, for example, in motor vehicle bodies, and to themanufacture of such window assemblies. In particular, the invention isdirected to multi-pane window assemblies presenting a substantiallyflush appearance in a window opening, supporting both fixed and slidingpanes.

BACKGROUND

Window assemblies which are pre-assembled prior to installation arewidely used in motor vehicle manufacture and other applications.Pre-assembly of the glazing unit for simple insertion into a recessedwindow opening in a vehicle body during vehicle assembly has been foundto yield substantial cost and quality advantages. Such window assembliesintended for use as rear windows for pickup truck cabs, for example,typically include a frame holding one or more fixed panes and a slidablepane. In the past, windows assemblies have had an undesirably bulkyappearance poorly integrated into the exterior surface of the vehicle orother structure. Exemplary of known window assemblies are those shownand described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,522,191 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,003,916,each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety forall purposes.

It is an object of the present invention to provide improved multi-panewindow assemblies. It is a particular object of at least certainembodiments to provide multi-pane modular window assemblies having fixedand slidably mounted panes and presenting a substantially flush overallappearance. Additional objects and advantages of the multi-pane windowassemblies disclosed here will be apparent to those skilled in the artfrom the following disclosure.

SUMMARY

In accordance with a first aspect of the disclosed inventive subjectmatter, a window assembly configured for installation in a recessedwindow aperture, e.g., in a motor vehicle, comprises one or moretransparent fixed position panes, one or more sliding panes, and amounting frame. As further described below, the mounting frame may (andtypically does) comprises more than one component. The mounting framecomprises at least a substantially full-circumference, molded plasticframe member and reinforcement integral with the frame member. Themounting frame at least partially defines a window opening. The mountingframe forms a downwardly-open upper slider runway extending laterallyabove the window opening, and an upwardly-open lower slider runwayextending laterally below the window opening. In certain exemplaryembodiments the substantially full-circumference, molded plastic framemember of the mounting frame forms such downwardly-open upper sliderrunway extending laterally above the window opening and upwardly-openlower slider runway extending laterally below the window opening. Thesliding pane is slidably positioned in the upper and lower sliderrunways for sliding movement between a closed position in which itcloses the window opening and an open position. The mounting framemounts the fixed position pane by adhesive surface bonding to aperimeter portion of the interior surface of the fixed position pane,the exterior surface of the fixed position pane being free of adhesivesurface bonding to the mounting frame. At least a laterally outboardportion of the peripheral edge of the fixed pane is covered by a portionof the substantially full-circumference, molded plastic frame memberthat is flush with the adjacent exterior surface of the fixed positionpane. A surface (i.e., a portion of the surface, sometimes referred tohere as a “show surface” or a show surface portion or an exteriorsurface or an exterior surface portion) of the full-circumference,molded plastic frame member forms the entire show surface of the windowassembly for at least a laterally extending portion the window assemblyabove or below the window opening. As discussed further below the term“show surface” is used here in accordance with its usual meaning in themotor vehicle industry to mean an exterior surface of the windowassembly, i.e., a surface or portion of the surface of the molded framemember which is visible when the window assembly is installed. Incertain exemplary embodiments such surface portions of the moldedplastic frame member forms at least a portion of the exterior surface ofthe window assembly above and below the window opening. For example, incertain embodiments a first show surface portion of the frame memberforms the entire show surface of the window assembly for at least alaterally extending portion the window assembly above the windowopening, and a second show surface portion of the full-circumference,molded plastic frame member forms the entire show surface of the windowassembly for at least a laterally extending portion the window assemblybelow the window opening. Such exterior or show surface portions mayboth be portions of one continuous show surface, e.g., a show surfacethat extends as an uninterrupted or continuous exterior surfacecircumferentially around part or all of the window assembly. In certainexemplary embodiments the aforesaid show surface portion of thefull-circumference, molded plastic frame member forms the entire showsurface of the window assembly (above or below the window opening)extending laterally at least the full width of the window opening. Forexample, a first such show surface portion of the frame member, abovethe window opening, can form the entire show surface for a portion thewindow assembly extending laterally at least the full width of thewindow opening, and a second such show surface portion of the framemember, below the window opening, can form the entire show surface for aportion the window assembly extending laterally at least the full widthof the window opening.

The reinforcement comprises an elongate reinforcing member extendinglaterally above or below the window opening. In certain exemplaryembodiments the reinforcement comprises an elongate reinforcing memberextending laterally above the window opening and laterally beyond it inone or doth directions (i.e., to the right and/or to the left as viewedin FIG. 1), and further comprises another elongate reinforcing memberextending laterally below the window opening and laterally beyond it inone or doth directions. In certain exemplary embodiments one or both ofsuch reinforcement members is positioned in the corresponding sliderrunway, optionally either forming the slider channel which contacts aperipheral edge of the slider pane or receiving another component (e.g.,a plastic liner or the like) which forms such slider channel thatcontacts the slider pane.

An advantageous aspect of at least certain exemplary embodiments of thewindow assemblies disclosed here is their strength during thepost-molded handling and customer operations, such as installation andsupport of the assemblies. Also, an advantageously flush and uniformappearance can be achieved. In certain exemplary embodiments, theelongate reinforcement member(s) are at least partly embedded in thesubstantially full circumference molded frame member and extendlaterally above or below the window opening behind a “show surface,”i.e., a surface portion of the molded frame member which forms theaforesaid exterior surface of the assembly. Advantageously, suchexterior surface of the assembly is flush with adjacent (non-recessed)surface of the window aperture. The reinforcement members in suchembodiments provide not only structural reinforcement, but also help toeliminate and/or minimize the effects of sink marks and witness linesthat would otherwise occur in such exterior surface.

In general, well-designed embodiments of the window assemblies disclosedhere provide a desirable flush and smooth look from the exterior.Certain exemplary embodiments also provide additional advantageousfeatures, including, e.g., a two-sided seal lip (a ‘D’-shaped or‘v’-shaped lip, etc.) extending radially at the perimeter of the windowassembly. The peripheral lip seal can provide a continuous seal surfacewithout steps or offsets. Such lip seal provides, in at least certainembodiments, the following added benefits:

1) a secondary seal to sheet metal for added water managementprotection;

2) a more arduous path for noise transmission into the cabin area of avehicle, thereby providing improved NVH, i.e., improved noise preventionperformance; and

3) masking or hiding of bonding material which might squeeze or migrateinto an area otherwise viewable during installation of the windowassembly in a recessed window aperture. This provides greater freedomand more packaging space for the bonded material. It can reduce oreliminate rejects for exposed bonding agent, which has been a problemexperienced at assembly plants with so-called raw-edge-of-glass designs.

4) Window assemblies in accordance with the present disclosure may bereferred to as two-sided designs. Correspondingly, the substantiallyfull-circumference, molded plastic frame member may be referred to as atwo-sided frame member. This refers to a configuration of the framearound some or all of the otherwise raw edge of the fixed or stationarypanes, especially the edge at their outboard peripheries. As furtherdescribed below, the frame member is molded against a peripheral portionof the inside surface of the stationery pane and, in addition, against(at least a portion of) the peripheral edge surface of the pane. Theexterior surface of the frame member preferably is flush with theadjacent surface of the fixed pane along this interface. Any variationin the dimension of the glass pane is compensated for by the framemember simply being molded to the raw edge. Thus, a gap-less, flushresult is achieved irrespective of tolerance variations in the glass. Itis a significant advantage of at least certain embodiments of the windowassemblies disclosed here, that the 2-side molded plastic frame providesfor this improved tolerance—compared to raw-edge-of glass designs—forinevitable variance in the precise dimensions of stationary glass panes.The 2-sided molded plastic frame also provides for an improvedappearance between the stationary glass and the molded plastic frame inthe slide glass area. Current products on the market have gaps ormargins between the stationary glass edge and the appearance portion ofthe upper and lower frame areas. These gaps are required for assembledproducts due to component tolerances. This invention reduces oreliminates these gaps via the 2-sided molding feature, which providesfor a gap-less appearance and, in at least certain embodiments, a flushappearance.

Certain exemplary embodiments of the window assemblies disclosed herecomprise a 2-piece slider assembly, that is, window assemblies havingone stationary glass pane with a hole cut in the center as a windowopening and one slide glass to open and close the opening.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be understoodfrom the following detailed description of certain preferredembodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Certain preferred embodiments are described and discussed in detailbelow in association with the appended drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a motor vehicle window assembly inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged schematic section view of FIG. 1, taken throughthe upper run channel proximate the stationary pane;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged schematic section view of FIG. 1, taken throughthe lower run channel proximate the stationary pane;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged schematic section view of FIG. 1, taken throughthe lateral centerline of the window assembly at the upper run channel;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged schematic section view of FIG. 1, taken throughthe lateral centerline of the window assembly at the lower run channel;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged schematic section view of FIG. 1, taken throughthe peripheral edge of the stationary pane, showing the flush andgap-less interface of the peripheral edge of the stationary pane and theadjacent portion of the frame member;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged schematic section view corresponding to FIG. 6,but showing the frame member achieving a flush and gap-less interfacewith the peripheral edge of a larger (in lateral dimension) stationarypane (resulting in a correspondingly thinner wall of molding materialadjacent the peripheral edge of the glass pane);

FIG. 8 is an enlarged schematic section view corresponding to FIG. 6,but showing the frame member achieving a flush and gap-less interfacewith the peripheral edge of a smaller (in lateral dimension) stationarypane (resulting in a correspondingly thicker wall of molding materialadjacent the peripheral edge of the glass pane);

FIG. 9 is an enlarged schematic section view of an alternativeembodiment, taken through the upper run channel;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged schematic section view of an alternativeembodiment, showing a flanged U-shaped reinforcement member embedded inthe frame member at the lower slider runway and having a seal adhesivelyattached along an outer periphery of the reinforcement member (asubstantially mirror image reinforcement arrangement optionally isprovided at the upper slider runway); and

FIG. 11 is an enlarged schematic section view, corresponding to FIG. 10,of an alternative embodiment, showing a reinforcement member embedded inthe frame member at the slider runway and having a seal adhesivelyattached along an outer periphery of the reinforcement member (here,again, a substantially mirror image reinforcement arrangement optionallyis provided at the upper slider runway).

The drawings referred to above are not drawn necessarily to scale andshould be understood to present a simplified representation of onlycertain embodiments the invention selected for purposes of discussion,illustrative of the basic principles involved. Some features of thewindow assemblies depicted in the drawings have been enlarged ordistorted relative to others to facilitate visualization andunderstanding.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Window assemblies of the invention will have configurations andcomponents determined, in part, by the intended application and useenvironment. References to direction and position, unless otherwiseindicated, refer to the orientation of the window assembly in thedrawing under discussion. In general, “exterior” refers to a directionor position outwardly of the space enclosed by the wall or structure inwhich the window is installed, e.g., outside the passenger compartmentof a motor vehicle. Correspondingly, “inward” or “interior” refers to adirection in or into the passenger compartment or other such space. Theterm “inboard” is used here (i.e., in this description of the disclosedwindow assemblies and in the appended claims) to describe a lateralposition or location, e.g., the location of the vertical edge of a fixedor stationary pane which is proximate to the slider pane. As viewed inFIG. 1, for example, inboard refers to the lateral position of afeature, i.e., the position from right-to-left in the window assemblyembodiment as shown in that drawing. Thus, e.g., the inboard verticaledge of the left-side stationary pane is the right edge of that pane.Likewise, the inboard vertical edge of the right-side stationary pane isthe left edge of that pane. Correspondingly, an outboard side, edge orsurface is laterally away from the inboard side, edge or surface. Thus,e.g., the outboard vertical edge of the left-side stationary pane is theleft edge of that pane.

An “exposed surface” means a surface which is exposed to plain view fromthe exterior of the window assembly, e.g., outside the vehicle in thecase of a window assembly installed in the recessed window aperture of amotor vehicle body panel. It should be understood in this regard thatwindow assemblies of the invention can be adapted for use in anyorientation and for architectural and other applications in addition tomotor vehicle applications.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art, that variousdifferent embodiments of the modular window assemblies disclosed herehave numerous uses and applications. For purposes of illustration andnot limitation, the following detailed description focuses on a windowassembly intended for use as a rear window in a pickup truck or thelike. As is well known in the motor vehicle industry, rear windowassemblies for pickup trucks frequently comprise one or more fixedpanes, together with a centrally mounted slider pane. In the embodimentherein described, there is a right-hand fixed position pane and aleft-hand fixed position pane, along with a centrally mounted sliderpane. The fixed positions panes are not openable. In contrast, theslidably mounted center pane can be locked in a closed position, inwhich the window fully seals the window opening, or can be slidhorizontally to an open or partially open position.

It should be understood that reference here to a plane, e.g., the planeof travel of the slider pane, is intended to broadly cover true planes,i.e., simple flat surfaces or imaginary spaces, as well as curvo-planarsurfaces and shapes (e.g., similar to the surface of a typical motorvehicle's roof or other complex-curved surface) and multi-planarsurfaces and shapes where the multiple planes are fairly viewed as allbeing parts of a larger, generally planar or curvo-planar surface orshape. In certain exemplary embodiments of the modular window assembliesdisclosed here, for example, the stationary pane(s) may be curvo-planar,perhaps having an exterior surface which is a complex curve, but whichnevertheless is fairly seen to be generally planar. Similarly, the pairof laterally spaced, curvo-planar stationary panes flanking the sliderpane in FIG. 1 are in the same plane as that term is used here.Similarly, the slider pane may be curved, i.e., curvo-planar, and yetcan be referred to here as being planar and traveling in a verticalplane.

Various different embodiments of the motor vehicle modular windowassemblies disclosed here are manually operated, power operated or both.Suitable power drives include, for example, cable-drum window regulatorsattached to a bottom edge of the sliding pane. Optionally, such powermechanism may employ a smart motor with anti-pinch and one-touchoperation features. The applicability of alternative power drive designsfor the design and manufacture of the window modules disclosed here willbe apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art given the benefit ofthis disclosure. Window latches, locks and the like can be used with themotor vehicle modular window assemblies disclosed here. In certainexemplary power-driven embodiments, the glass is held in position(closed, full open or in between) by the power drive mechanism.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the window assemblies disclosed herecomprise an upper run channel in the upper slider runway and a lower runchannel in the lower slider runway.

In certain exemplary embodiments of the window assemblies disclosedhere, the reinforcing member extends laterally at least partly in theupper or lower slider runway. In certain exemplary embodiments, thewindow assemblies disclosed here comprise a run channel in thereinforcing member, the run channel being positioned between the sliderpane and the reinforcing member. In certain exemplary embodiments of thewindow assemblies disclosed here the reinforcing member forms a runchannel contacting the slider pane.

In certain exemplary embodiments of the window assemblies disclosed herethe reinforcing member extends laterally at least the entire lateraldimension of the slider runway. In certain exemplary embodiments thereinforcing member is at least partly embedded in the full-circumferencemolded plastic frame member. In certain exemplary embodiments, thereinforcing member extends laterally beyond the window opening both tothe right and to the left.

In certain exemplary embodiments of the window assemblies disclosed herethe reinforcement member forms at least a generally U-shaped channelpositioned at least partially in one of the U-shaped slider runways. Incertain exemplary embodiments the reinforcement member is formed ofrigid plastic, aluminum or steel. In certain exemplary embodiments thereinforcement comprises a first elongate reinforcing member extendingabove the window opening and laterally beyond the window opening, and asecond elongate reinforcing member extending below the window openingand laterally beyond the window opening. In certain exemplaryembodiments the configuration of the reinforcement member is generally aflanged U-shape, with a U-shaped portion positioned at least partiallyin one of the U-shaped slider runways, and a flange portion at leastpartially embedded in the substantially full-circumference, moldedplastic frame member. The flange portion may be an elongate flat platecomprising a bent-over portion of the same material forming the U-shapedportion. Alternatively, the flange portion can be welded or otherwiseintegrated with the U-shaped portion. In certain exemplary embodimentsof the window assemblies disclosed here at least a section of the flangeportion of the reinforcement member extends laterally in thesubstantially full-circumference, molded plastic frame member in a planesubstantially parallel to an overlying section of the surface of thefull-circumference, molded plastic frame member which forms at least aportion of the exterior surface of the window assembly. As previouslymentioned, such exterior surface of the window assembly may be aboveand/or below the window opening. In certain exemplary embodiments thereinforcement member comprises at least one generally U-shaped channelmade of rigid plastic, aluminum or steel, which is integrally moldedwith the molded plastic frame member in the upper and/or lower sliderrunway.

The fall circumference frame member can be formed of any suitably strongand resilient, curable polymeric material. The frame member can beformed, for example, by reaction injection molding (RIM). In certainexemplary embodiments of the window assemblies disclosed here thefull-circumference, molded plastic frame member is made of a reactioninjection molded (RIM) thermoset plastic material. In certain exemplaryembodiments of the window assemblies disclosed here the frame member ismade of a reaction injection molded polyurethane, RIM polyurethane. Theframe member also can be formed of any suitably strong and resilientcurable thermoplastic material, such as for example, any thermoplasticelastomer suitable to the intended use, e.g., polyvinylchloride (PVC),TPO, TPU, and other materials which will be apparent to those who areskilled in the art in view of the present disclosure. In certainexemplary embodiments the frame member is made of injection moldablethermoplastic. Standard primers can be used for PVC and other materials.

The exposed surface of the frame member may have any appearance suitableto the intended use and within the ability of those skilled in the artto produce. For example, the surface may be a medium gloss black in theslide glass area. In the window assemblies of the present disclosure,the various stationary and sliding panes may be glass, plastic, etc.Certain embodiments, for example, employ high gloss glass merged withmedium gloss PVC and achieve a fully flush window to sheet metal result,including the aforesaid two-sided encapsulation of the stationary glassand the flexible V-lip seal. In at least certain exemplary embodimentsmanufacturing achieves good slide glass serviceability, good wind, waterand whether sealing, etc.

In certain exemplary embodiments of the window assemblies disclosedhere, a slide glass seal is mounted in the U-shaped channel. The slideglass seal optionally is adhesively mounted to a peripheral portion ofan inside surface of the U-shaped channel, e.g. as shown in FIGS. 10 and11.

In accordance with certain method aspects of the disclosure, locatingpins can be utilized for an improved interface with the sheet metal orother material forming the recessed window aperture into which thewindow assembly is to be installed. Retention clips may be used at theroof line for an installation in a motor vehicle. Molded-in-placelocating pins can be used to aid final assembly and minimize marginvariation.

Certain exemplary embodiments of the window assemblies disclosed herefurther comprise a pull-pull cable-and-drum powered drive assemblyoperatively connected to the sliding pane and operative to move thesliding pane between the open and closed positions. The pull-pullcable-and-drum powered drive assembly in accordance with certainembodiments comprises a drive drum and a drive cable wrapped around thedrive drum and attached to the sliding pane for pulling the sliding paneopen and closed by corresponding rotation of the drive drum. Suitablealternative drive assemblies, including both manual and power driveassemblies, will be apparent to those skilled in the art given thebenefit of this disclosure.

Optionally, embodiments of the window assemblies disclosed here mayfurther comprise heating elements, such as electrical resistance linesapplied to or embedded in the material of the stationary and/or sliderpanes.

Referring now to the drawings, the window assembly 10 is seen tocomprise a fall-circumference one-piece molded plastic single-sidedframe member 12. The frame is full-circumference in the sense that itforms an unbroken ring of molded plastic material about the outerperimeter of the assembly. In various alternative embodiments the framemember may be substantially continuous, in that some minor gap orseparation occurs in a manner which does not (in assembly, andinstalled) materially adversely diminish the structural integrity orperformance characteristics of the window assembly. The continuous onepiece frame is advantageous in facilitating mounting and sealing withina window recess provided by the sheet metal of a surrounding vehiclebody panel or the like. Such mounting can be accomplished, for example,by adhesive, mounting screws or other mechanical fasteners, or,preferably, both. In the illustrated embodiment, mounting adhesive 16 isshown schematically at the surface-to-surface interface of the frame 12and sheet metal 14.

Window assembly 10 comprises a slider pane 18, a left side stationarypane 20 and a right-side stationary pane 22. The surface portion 24 offrame member 12 above upper edge 26 of slider pane 18 is an exposedsurface of the window assembly. Similarly, lower surface portion 28 offrame member 12 below the lower edge 30 of slider pane 18 is an exposedsurface of the window assembly. In certain preferred embodiments, eachof these exposed surface portions is flush with the adjacent surfaceportions of the stationary panes. In the area above window opening 29,frame member 12 forms a downwardly-open, upper slider runway 36extending laterally above the window opening 29. In the area belowwindow opening 29, frame member 12 forms an upwardly-open lower sliderrunway 38 extending laterally below the window opening 29. In additionto any other reinforcement items, the reinforcement of the windowassembly includes at least upper reinforcement member 32 embedded in theframe member 12 above the window opening and lower reinforcement member34 embedded in the frame member 12 below the window opening. Each of thetwo reinforcement members 32, 34 has a flanged U-shaped configuration.More specifically, reinforcement member 32 has U-shaped portion 40 andflange portion 42. Similarly, reinforcement member 34 as U-shaped member44 and flange portion 46. As best seen in FIG. 4, flange portion 42 issubstantially coplanar with exterior surface 24 of the frame member 12and is embedded in the frame member immediately behind that surface.Advantageously, this aids in reducing sink marks and otherwise inproviding a good show surface. Similarly, as best seen in FIG. 5, flangeportion 46 is substantially coplanar with exterior surface 28 of theframe member 12 and is embedded in the frame member immediately behindthat surface. Again, this aids in providing a good show surface in thatarea. An upper run channel 52 is seen to be seated in the upper sliderrunway. A lower run channel 54 is seated in the lower slider runway.Alternatively, the reinforcement members could serve as the runchannels. U-shaped portion 40 of the upper reinforcement member 32 has arolled edge 56 for strength and to provide a snap fit with lip 57 ofupper run channel 52. U-shaped portion 44 of the lower reinforcementmember 34 has a rolled edge 58 for strength and to provide a snap fitfor lower run channel 54. A weather seal 48 is provided for the sliderpane 18 at the upper run channel. Weather seal 50 is provided at thelower run channel. Frame member 12 further provides V-shaped seal 60extending radially outwardly to engage sheet metal 14. Referring to FIG.2, it can be seen that v-seal 60 provides a sight shield to hide any ofadhesive 16 which may migrate to a location otherwise visible from theexterior of the window assembly.

Referring now to FIG. 6, it can be seen that portion 64 of frame member12 covers peripheral edge 66 of stationary pane 20. At their surfacecontact, peripheral edge surface 66 and wall portion 64 may be merely incontact or closely adjacent, or may be adhesively bonded during themolding process. Further, exterior surface 65 of wall portion 64 isflush with the adjacent exterior surface 21 of stationary pane 20.Corresponding configuration exists for stationary pane 22. If peripheraledge 66 of stationary pane 20 were farther to the right (as seen in FIG.6) wall portion 64 of frame member 12 would fill in the additional spaceduring the molding process and, so, be thicker. Such an embodiment 10″is seen in FIG. 8. If, on the other hand, peripheral edge 66 ofstationary pane 20 were further to the left, wall portion 64 on framemember 12 would be thinner. Such an embodiment 10′ is seen in FIG. 7.Thus, window assemblies in accordance with at least certain embodimentsof the present disclosure provide a gap-less, flush configurationbetween the stationary pane(s) and the molded plastic frame member alongthe peripheral edge of the stationary pane at its exterior surface.

Referring now to FIG. 9, window assembly 100 in accordance with analternative embodiment is seen to comprise a substantiallyfull-circumference, molded plastic frame member 112. Frame member 112forms slider runway 114 in which is received reinforcement member 116which serves as a slider channel for slider pane 118. Frame member 112provides radially outwardly extending D-lip 120 to sealingly pressagainst sheet-metal 140 when the window assembly is installed in windowrecess 141 with adhesive 160. Extension 122 provides a seal againstslider pane 118. Surface 124 is an exterior show surface for the windowassembly.

Referring now to FIG. 10, an alternative embodiment is seen to comprisea substantially full-circumference, molded plastic frame member 212having exterior show surface 214. Flanged U-shaped reinforcement member216 has longitudinally extending bends 218, 219 to provide improvedrigidity or strength and optionally to provide a snap fit configurationfor a run channel to be received into the U-shaped portion of thereinforcement member. Weather seal 220 is adhered along an outerperipheral portion 223 of the surface of the reinforcement member. Inthe alternative embodiment of FIG. 11, reinforcement member 302 is seento be substantially planar in configuration. It is partially embedded ina substantially full-circumference, molded plastic frame member 312 atU-shaped slider runway 303, behind exterior show surface 314. Elongateweather seal 306 is adhered to a peripheral surface portion 308 ofreinforcement member 302.

In a vehicle assembly plant assembling vehicles having body panelsdefining a recessed window aperture into which is installed a modularwindow assembly in accordance with the present disclosure, adhesive orsealant can be placed on the inside of the window assembly (or onto thesurface of the sheet metal of the body panel(s) forming the recessedaperture) as a continuous bead. This aids in preventing air or moistureleakage into the vehicle. One assembly method is to place the window,with adhesive, into the vehicle opening with a robot and have the robotpress on the stationary glass to force the window to a flush position.To achieve this flush condition, the adhesive must be forced to flow andtake on a different shape. This requires pressure on the adhesive. Mostof the window is structurally supported by the relatively stiff fixedglass panes. Pressing on the centers of the fixed glass panes willachieve flushness in that area. In the area of the window opening, thereinforcement (in well designed embodiment of the invention) providesenough stiffness to overcome the resistance of the adhesive and forcethe adhesive to flow in a uniform manner in the entire area between thefixed glass panes such that this area also becomes flush with the sheetmetal without any noticeable waviness.

In an alternative assembly method, the window is manually installed byone or more operators. Here the operators place the window, withadhesive, into the vehicle opening and push the window to a flushcondition. “Toy tabs” are provided on the window to assist the operatorswith window installation. These “toy tabs” are usually made of a thinmetal strip securely attached to the window that can be bent over theedge of the sheet metal and both draw the window in and hold it in placetill the adhesive at least partially cures. Usually there are three “toytabs” on the top of the window and three more on the bottom. “Toy tabs”can be located at the four corners and at the top and bottom centers ofthe window. When the center tab is bent over the sheet metal, thatimmediate area of the window will be drawn to a flush condition. Thereinforcement in this area must be sufficiently stiff such that theentire area between the fixed panes is drawn to the same flush positionwithout any noticeable waviness.

Also, during the assembly of the window, there is an opportunity todamage the window when removing it from the mold and during subsequentassembly operations. If the stiffness of the portion of the window notsupported by the fixed glass is not sufficient, then normal handling ofthe window could produce bending of the frame that could result incosmetic or structural damage of the assembly.

The polymeric material of the full circumference, one-piece moldedplastic frame member is at least partially cured in the molding cavityto form a sufficiently self-supporting sub-assembly comprising the fixedposition pane(s) and the above described reinforcement member(s)integrated therewith. The molding cavity can then be opened and thesub-assembly removed for further assembly steps, e.g., addition of upperand lower run channels inserts, weather seals, etc.

It will be appreciated by those who are skilled in this area oftechnology that the numerous structural advantages discussed above canbe achieved in the aforesaid manufacturing process, wherein afull-circumference one-piece molded plastic single-sided frame is formedin a single molding step in which it is simultaneously integrated withreinforcement and substantially the entire exterior flush surface of thefinal window assembly. Furthermore, variation in the dimensions of thefixed pane(s) is easily accommodated while retaining a flush and uniformappearance. In adding structural integrity to the assembly, as well asan exterior show surface, at least certain embodiments of the framemember can be lighter weight, with resultant material cost savings.These and additional advantages will be readily apparent in view of theforegoing disclosure.

Given the benefit of the above disclosure and description of exemplaryembodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art thatnumerous alternative arrangements and different embodiments are possiblein keeping with the general principles of the invention. For example,the stationary panes and or the slider pane may be larger or smaller orhave different shapes than those illustrated in the drawings. Variousseals, latches and other components may be used. The panes may be whollyor partly opaque and may be formed of glass, plastic or other suitablematerial(s). Multiple sliding panes may be used. Those who are skilledin this area will recognize that all such various modifications andalternative embodiments are within the true scope and spirit of theinvention. The appended claims are intended to cover all suchmodifications and alternative embodiments. It should be understood thatthe use of a singular indefinite or definite article (e.g., “a,” “an,”“the,” etc.) in this disclosure and in the following claims follows thetraditional approach in patents of meaning “at least one” unless in aparticular instance it is clear from context that the term is intendedin that particular instance to mean specifically one and only one.Likewise, the term “comprising” is open ended, not excluding additionalitems, features, components, etc.

1. A window assembly configured for installation in a recessed windowaperture in a motor vehicle body panel, the window assembly comprising:a transparent fixed position pane having an interior surface, anexterior surface and a peripheral edge surface, a sliding pane, and amounting frame comprising a substantially full-circumference, moldedplastic frame member and reinforcement integral with the frame member,the mounting frame at least partially defining a window opening,wherein: the mounting frame forms a downwardly-open upper slider runwayextending laterally above the window opening, and an upwardly-open lowerslider runway extending laterally below the window opening, the slidingpane being slidably positioned in the upper and lower slider runways forsubstantially lateral sliding movement between a closed position inwhich it closes the window opening and an open position, and themounting frame mounts the fixed position pane by adhesive surfacebonding to a perimeter portion of the interior surface of the fixedposition pane, the exterior surface of the fixed position pane beingfree of adhesive surface bonding to the mounting frame, and at least alaterally outboard portion of the peripheral edge of the fixed panebeing covered by a portion of the mounting frame that is flush with theadjacent exterior surface of the fixed position pane, a show surfaceportion of the full-circumference, molded plastic frame member forms theentire show surface of the window assembly for at least a laterallyextending portion the window assembly above or below the window opening,and the reinforcement comprises an elongate reinforcing member extendingat least laterally above or below the window opening.
 2. The windowassembly of claim 1 further comprising an upper run channel in the upperslider runway and a lower run channel in the lower slider runway.
 3. Thewindow assembly of claim 1 wherein the reinforcing member extendslaterally at least partly in the upper or lower slider runway.
 4. Thewindow assembly of claim 3 further comprising a run channel in thereinforcing member, the run channel being positioned between the sliderpane and the reinforcing member.
 5. The window assembly of claim 3wherein the reinforcing member forms a run channel contacting the sliderpane.
 6. The window assembly of claim 3 wherein the reinforcing memberextends laterally at least the entire lateral dimension of the sliderrunway.
 7. The window assembly of claim 1 wherein the reinforcing memberis at least partly embedded in the full-circumference molded plasticframe member.
 8. The window assembly of claim 1 wherein the reinforcingmember extends laterally beyond the window opening both to the right andto the left.
 9. The window assembly of claim 1 wherein the windowassembly of claim 1 where the full-circumference, molded plastic framemember is made of a reaction injection molded (RIM) thermoset plasticmaterial.
 10. The window assembly of claim 1 wherein the window assemblyof claim 1 where the full-circumference, molded plastic frame member ismade of a reaction injection molded polyurethane.
 11. The windowassembly of claim 1 wherein the window assembly of claim 1 where thefull-circumference, molded plastic frame member is made of injectionmoldable thermoplastic.
 12. The window assembly of claim 1 wherein thewindow assembly of claim 1 where the full-circumference, molded plasticframe member is made of polyvinychloride (PVC).
 13. The window assemblyof claim 1 wherein the reinforcement member forms at least a generallyU-shaped channel positioned at least partially in one of the U-shapedslider runways.
 14. The window assembly of claim 1 wherein thereinforcement member is formed of rigid plastic, aluminum or steel. 15.The window assembly of claim 1 wherein the reinforcement comprises afirst elongate reinforcing member extending above the window opening andlaterally beyond the window opening, and a second elongate reinforcingmember extending below the window opening and laterally beyond thewindow opening.
 16. The window assembly of claim 1 wherein theconfiguration of the reinforcement member is generally a flangedU-shape, with a U-shaped portion positioned at least partially in one ofthe U-shaped slider runways, and a flange portion at least partiallyembedded in the substantially full-circumference, molded plastic framemember.
 17. The window assembly of claim 16 wherein at least a sectionof the flange portion of the reinforcement member extends laterally inthe substantially full-circumference, molded plastic frame member in aplane substantially parallel to an overlying section of the surface ofthe full-circumference, molded plastic frame member which forms at leasta portion of the exterior surface of the window assembly above or belowthe window opening.
 18. The window assembly of claim 1 wherein thereinforcement member comprises at least one generally U-shaped channelmade of rigid plastic, aluminum or steel, which is integrally moldedwith the molded plastic frame member in the upper or lower sliderrunway.
 19. The window assembly of claim 18 wherein a slide glass sealis mounted in the U-shaped channel.
 20. The window assembly of claim 19wherein the slide glass seal is adhesively mounted to a peripheralportion of an inside surface of the U-shaped channel.
 21. The windowassembly of claim 1 further comprising a pull-pull cable and drumpowered drive assembly operatively connected to the sliding pane andoperative to move the sliding pane between the open and closedpositions.
 22. The window assembly of claim 21 wherein the pull-pullcable-and-drum powered drive assembly comprises: a drive drum, a drivecable wrapped around the drive drum and attached to the sliding pane forpulling the sliding pane open and closed by corresponding rotation ofthe drive drum.
 23. The window assembly of claim 1 wherein thesubstantially full-circumference, molded plastic frame member forms thedownwardly-open upper slider runway and the upwardly-open lower sliderrunway.
 24. The window assembly of claim 1 wherein the show surfaceportion of the full-circumference, molded plastic frame member forms theentire show surface of the window assembly for at least a laterallyextending portion the window assembly above the window opening, and asecond show surface portion of the full-circumference, molded plasticframe member forms the entire show surface of the window assembly for atleast a laterally extending portion the window assembly below the windowopening.
 25. The window assembly of claim 1 wherein the show surfaceportion of the full-circumference, molded plastic frame member forms theentire show surface of the window assembly for a portion the windowassembly extending laterally at least the full width of the windowopening.
 26. The window assembly of claim 25 wherein the show surfaceportion of the full-circumference, molded plastic frame member, abovethe window opening, forms the entire show surface of the window assemblyfor a portion the window assembly extending laterally at least the fullwidth of the window opening, and a second show surface portion of thefull-circumference, molded plastic frame member, below the windowopening, forms the entire show surface of the window assembly for aportion the window assembly extending laterally at least the full widthof the window opening.